If you're craving the ultimate comfort cookie, look no further than these soft and thick peanut butter cookies. Perfectly rich with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to making the best peanut butter cookies you've ever tasted. Read on to discover how to create these delicious, tender cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What are Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies?
Soft and thick peanut butter cookies are the epitome of comfort food, offering a dense yet tender bite that’s full of peanut butter flavor. Unlike traditional crunchy peanut butter cookies, these cookies stay soft, with a slightly crumbly texture on the inside and a perfectly chewy exterior. They’re perfect for those who love peanut butter but prefer their cookies to be on the softer side. These cookies also hold up well when combined with other ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts, allowing you to customize them to your taste.
Ingredients List for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: For that rich, nutty flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): This adds to the softness and ensures the cookies stay moist.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor to complement the peanut butter.
Substitutions and Variations
These cookies are highly customizable, and you can easily swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are a few options:
- Peanut Butter: If you're allergic to peanuts or simply don't have peanut butter on hand, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Sugar: For a lower-calorie option, you can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit sweetener. You can also use coconut sugar as a natural sweetener.
- Flour: Gluten-free flour can be substituted if you have dietary restrictions. Be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to maintain the texture.
- Add-ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even dried fruit to add a unique twist to the cookies. For a fun variation, try adding a swirl of Nutella or jelly in the dough for a peanut butter and jelly cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the step-by-step process to bake the perfect soft and thick peanut butter cookies. Make sure to preheat your oven and prep your ingredients before starting.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Form the dough balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll the dough into balls with your hands and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the cookies: Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a fork in a crisscross pattern to flatten slightly. This is a signature look for peanut butter cookies.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to bake on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients (butter, peanut butter, and sugars) until creamy and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix thoroughly to ensure the batter is well combined.
- Sift and mix the dry ingredients separately, then slowly incorporate them into the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:
- Overmixing the dough: This can cause the cookies to become tough and dense. Mix the ingredients just until combined for soft cookies.
- Skipping the crisscross pattern: This classic peanut butter cookie pattern helps the dough spread evenly. Skipping this step may result in unevenly baked cookies.
- Overbaking: These cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool, so overbaking will make them too crunchy.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients won’t mix together properly, which can affect the cookie's texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your soft and thick peanut butter cookies can make a big difference, especially if you're sharing them with others. Here are some fun serving and presentation ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, you can lightly dust the top of each cookie with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Serve with a side of milk or hot cocoa: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate, enhancing the flavors of the peanut butter.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decorative and tasty touch.
- Create sandwich cookies: Spread some peanut butter, Nutella, or even jelly between two cookies to make delicious peanut butter cookie sandwiches.
How to Serve Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
When serving these cookies, consider pairing them with complementary flavors. You can:
- Serve them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Stack them on a rustic plate with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a light dessert.
- Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream to add a crunchy peanut butter texture to your dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies
Presentation can elevate the experience of eating these soft and thick peanut butter cookies. Try these ideas to impress your guests:
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a large platter in a circular pattern, with a small bowl of peanut butter or chocolate sauce in the center for dipping.
- Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in cellophane and tie with a ribbon, making a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.
- Themed Serving Dishes: Use seasonal or themed serving dishes (like holiday plates) to make your cookies more festive.
Soft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Chill the dough: For even thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs allows the ingredients to blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Form the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
This could be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the dough. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid baking the cookies for too long.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute if you're looking for an egg-free version.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
These soft and thick peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're baking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself. With a rich, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture, they're sure to become a household favorite. Follow the tips, variations, and presentation ideas to take your cookies to the next level. Now, grab your apron and start baking—you won't regret it!
PrintSoft & Thick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Soft & thick peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat, packed with rich peanut butter flavor and a tender, chewy texture. These cookies are easy to make and great for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together peanut butter, butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Form dough into balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
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